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Healthy Pizza Recipes

Although it originated in Italy, pizza is now as American as apple pie. For moms-to-be in need of hard-core nutrition, the usually gooey, greasy take-out variety is more often a guilty pleasure than a smart choice. But it doesn't have to be. Skip sodium-bomb pepperoni and pile fresh, healthful toppings on a whole-grain crust, and you've got yourself a delicious meal that's also bursting with the nutrients you need to grow a healthy baby. The easiest (and most fun) way to make sure your pizza is good for you is to DIY, so check out our innovative recipes for delectable pizza dough, sauce and topping combos that are easy to make and packed with pregnancy nutrients.

DIY Dough

Making pizza dough from scratch isn't as complicated as you might think. This no-fail recipe produces a wonderfully thin crust. But if you're short on time (or too intimidated to make your own), stop by your local pizzeria and ask if they'll sell you some of their dough to take home. Whether homemade or from the grocery store, be sure your dough includes some whole-grain flour for a larger dose of pregnancy must-haves, such as fiber and vitamins.

Mediterranean Steak Pizza

With fewer than 2 grams of saturated fat in 3 ounces, sirloin is one of the leanest red meats. But what it lacks in fat, sirloin makes up for with plenty of iron, a mineral moms-to-be need to help stave off pregnancy-induced anemia and deliver oxygen for your baby's development. Spinach also provides iron, which helps develop red blood cells.

Smoked Salmon Pizza

The crispy thin crust of this pizza is a wonderful contrast to velvety soft smoked salmon. Similar to fresh, smoked salmon contains loads of omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that loading up on marine-sourced omega-3s during pregnancy can reduce the incidence of depression symptoms as well as the risk of a preterm or low-birthweight baby. Salmon also provides hard-to-get vitamin D, which helps your baby build strong bones and teeth.

Tex-Mex Pizza

With tomato salsa, beans and avocado, this pizza is like an open-faced quesadilla. Black beans are a low-fat source of protein and fiber, and avocado delivers folate, a B vitamin that helps prevent neural-tube defects. Avocado has also been linked to a reduction in morning sickness.